Minnesota’s largest city has been a longtime favorite Midwestern destination, but the sleek and sometimes snowy streets of Minneapolis deserve attention from travelers far beyond the region. With a vaunted food and beverage scene, stately lodging options, a celebrated arts tradition, and copious natural beauty, the “city of lakes” shines in every season. Our Midwest expert, Minnesotan-born-and-bred travel journalist Katy Spratte Joyce, tackles one of her favorite cities for the HAP Guide to Minneapolis.
Where to Stay:
Hewing Hotel
A long-loved Minneapolis fixture, this elegant boutique hotel drips “up north” charm in a stunning urban setting. Pattern and textural play add to the cozy and upscale ambiance, as does the distinctly Scandi sauna. With an ideal location in the city’s historic North Loop enclave, the Hewing Hotel is the perfect base to explore the Twin Cities. Bonus: this spot is super pet-friendly, especially for dogs!
Where to Eat:
Spoon & Stable
An elevated North Loop haunt ensconced within a vintage carriage house, Spoon & Stable is a Minneapolis go-to. Hometown hero Chef Gavin Kaysen’s award-winning restaurant boasts an ever-rotating menu that showcases the best the north has to offer. Don’t miss the Olive Oil cake for dessert!
Hai Hai
This celebrated Southeast Asian bar and eatery, with James Beard cred to boot, will delight your senses both with its vibrant decor and flavorful dishes. There’s no “Minnesota spicy” aka bland food to be found at this community hub, just a delectable journey through the cuisof ine Vietnam, the Phillipines, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The crispy rice salad, with red curry rice, ginger, and scallions, is a classic pick here.
Owamni
A partnership between Chef Sean Sherman and Dana Thompson, Owamni is a major force of the indigenous foodways movement. This spot, nestled on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, uses only de-colonized foods found in North America before European settlement. The offerings change with the seasons, but a mushroom and wild rice stuffed poblano with hazelnut crema and stew of bison, beans, squash, hominy, and caramelized onions are just an idea of what diners may get to sample at this game-changing restaurant. Pro tip: Can’t snag a coveted reservation? Walk-ins are available for patio seating.
Where to Drink:
Du Nord Social Spirits
The first Black-owned distillery in the country, Du Nord Social Spirits is a can’t-miss stop on any Minneapolis tour. (If you flew Delta on your journey to the north, you may have already sampled their stellar selection of spirits.) On the ground at the tasting room near Lake Street, try the American Liquor Company Vodka, a special four-crop blend from various Midwest distilleries.
Where to Visit:
The Chain of Lakes
To get your dose of watery wonder, check out the famous Chain of Lakes in Southwestern Minneapolis. Bike the Grand Rounds, ride the streetcar between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska, or canoe at Lake of the Isles.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
This massive free museum is a highlight in a city renowned for its art scene and features almost 100,000 works of art that span thousands of years.
Paisley Park
“I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better”, said Minnesotan musical legend Prince. Tour his massive creative complex known as Paisley Park, and be sure to look out for the numerous Prince murals sprinkled around the city.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Stroll around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, an 11-acre park full of free public art and open 365 days a year. Though more than 40 works are showcased there, the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry offers a perfect photo op for visitors. Pop to the adjacent Walker Art Center to continue your art tour of Minneapolis.
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